Report: Celtic make contact with Wolves about Daniel Podence move

By John McGinley

July 12, 2020

Celtic have contacted Wolves to enquire about taking winger Daniel Podence on loan next season, The Mirror reports this weekend.

Podence is a recent arrival in the English Premier League, having made a £17m switch from Olympiacos to Wolves during the January transfer window.

However, he’s not started much for Nuno Espirito Santo and it’s said by the paper that Celtic lead a list of clubs interested in signing him on a temporary basis as he adjusts to British football.

It’d be an ambitious move on Celtic’s part, similar in many ways to the signing of Mohamed Elyounousi, who arrived for similar money at Southampton but failed to make an impact.

The money available in England means quality players are now being signed for cash way beyond Celtic’s means but who are not quite at the standard to take clubs in the top-flight to the next level.

Podence, a Portuguese winger, had featured prominently for Olympiacos prior to his move, scoring 13 goals and assisting 14 times in 68 appearances (Transfermarkt).

The 24-year-old played every match of their Champions League campaign in 2019/20, where they finished third in the group stages behind Spurs and Bayern Munich.

They are now competing with Wolves to make it through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Reported Celtic target Daniel Podence / (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

Podence has not yet been capped by Portugal but was called up to their squad for qualifiers last November.

Celtic already have James Forrest and Elyounoussi available but Lennon lacks natural width beyond that pair, especially those experienced enough to compete at home and in Europe.

Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele are emerging talents but neither have really cemented a first-team spot.

Marian Shved meanwhile appears to be miles away from Lennon’s plans.

Another winger who knows his way around the elite level could be a major boost to our bid for ten-in-a-row.